A Humane but pricey fundraiser

She won’t be facing voters again until 2012, but Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has laid on a big-bucks “Women of Valor” fund raising luncheon for noon Wednesday at the Westin Hotel.

The marquee speaker is unusual for a political lunch: It’s Wayne Pacelle, aka “Humane Wayne,” chief executive officer of the Humane Society of America.

The luncheon’s price tag begins at $1,000 for “Gold Level Seating,” drops to $250 for “Silver Level Seating,” and “General Seating” at $150.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has for years rewarded extraordinary acts of citizenship
by ordinary citizens at her annual “Golden Tennis Shoes” luncheon. Hillary Clinton has been among the guest speakers.

In Cantwell’s case, several of the luminaries are well-heeled and prominent.